Logarithmic and antilogarithmic amplifiers

Samuel Eduardo Toro Gmez

Universidad Autnoma de Occidente
samtoro9408@gmail.com

Abstract This report discusses the logarithmic

and antilogarithmic amplifiers. This report explains
its structure, the equations needed for their
analysis. All this in order to learn about other
operational
amplifier
configurations
and
applications.

INTRODUCTION
Fig 2. Diode characteristic curve.

Diode - A diode is a two-terminal electronic component

that allows electrical current to flow through it in one
direction. This term is generally used to refer to
semiconductor diode, the most common today, consists of a
piece of crystal semiconductor connected to two electrical
terminals.
Simplified form, the characteristic curve of a diode (IV)
consists of two regions under a certain potential difference,
it behaves like an open circuit (not conducting), and above
it as a closed circuit with an electrical resistance very small.
Because of this behavior, they are often called rectifiers, as
they are devices capable of suppressing the negative of any
signal, as an initial step to convert alternating current into
direct current.
The figure 1 shows the diode's electric symbol.

The mathematical model to determine the diode current is

given by the Shockley equation, the equation is:

I D =I s (e

VD
nV T

1)

Eq. 1

Where

I D : Diode current.
I s : Diode saturation current.
V D : Diode voltage.
n : Emission coefficient. Dependent of the diode

Fig. 1 Diodes electric symbol.

The behavior of a diode depends on the type of polarization

that is in this (direct or inverse), this behavior is
represented in the graph of Figure 2, this graph is the
characteristic curve of the diode

fabrication process and which tends to take values

between 1 (for germanium) and the order of 2 (for
silicon).

V T : Thermal voltage.
The thermal voltage is approximately 25.85mV at
300K, this temperature is closer to the ambient
temperatura, widely used in circuit simulation

programs. For each temperature exist a constant

defined by:

V T=

Some kind of devices can work using only one power

source.
Ideally, the device operates with a gain, infinite input
impedance and zero output impedance, a frequency of high
unit (works at very high frequencies presenting voltage
gain).

kT
q

Eq. 2

Each reference amplifier meets the specific standards

required. There is an important concept is the open loop
gain is the gain that has the single amplifier, this gain is
used in few applications.

Where

Is the Boltzman constant.

Applications with OpAmps

Is the absolute temperature of the pn union.

There are several applications for operational amplifiers.

Some applications of the operational amplifier are.

is the maginitude of the electron charge.

Summing amplifier

This amplifier has more than one input and its output is
equal to the sum of the inputs.

Fig. 3 General purpose diode.

Fig. 5 inverting summing amplifier.

Operational Amplifier
This kind of amplifier is an integrated circuit used for
perform math operations like addition, subtraction,
integration and derivation. Its symbol is shown in the figure
1

Its output voltage gain is given by the sum of the inputs as

in Eq.3

Eq. 3
R is the resistance value of each entry, which must be
equal.

Averager

It handles the same pattern of the summing amplifier, the

difference is that you can get the average of the input
voltages fulfilling the Eq.4
Fig. 4 Operational amplifier.

This amplifier includes two inputs, an inverting input and a

non-inverting input, it requires a negative and positive
feedback in the terminals -Vcc and +Vcc, respectively.

Eq. 4

N is the number of inputs, and when it is replaced in the

Eq. 4 you get the average of the inputs.

Non-inverting amplifier

The key element in a logarithmic amplifier is a device

which exhibits a logarithmic characteristic that when it is
placed in the feedback loop of the operational amplifier
produces a logarithmic response. This means that the output
voltage is a function of the logarithm of the input voltage,
as expressed by the following general equation:

V out = Aln(V )
Eq. 7
Fig. 6 Non-inverting amplifier.

In Fig.3 shows the configuration of an amplifier that does

not invest the output signal relative to the input, the gain of
the amplifier fulfills Eq. 5 behavior.

Eq. 5

Where A is a constant and ln is the natural logarithm base e.

A natural logarithm is defined as the exponent to which the
base must be raised and to be equal to a given amount.
Logarithmic amplifier with a diode: When we place a diode
in the feedback loop of an operational amplifier circuit, as
shown in Figure 14-30, you get a basic logarithmic
amplifier. The inverting input is at virtual ground (0 V),
Therefore, the output is

Inverting amplifier

VD

is logarithmic,

when the input is positive.

V out

too. The output is limited

to a maximum value of approximately 0.7 V because the

logarithmic characteristic of the diode is limited to voltages
under 0.7 V. In addition, the input must be positive when
the diode is connected in the direction shown in the figure
8. To handle negative inputs, should reverse the position of
the diode.

Fig. 7 Inverting amplifier.

This amplifier inverts the output signal relative to the

A CL input; the gain is given by the Eq. 6

Now we analyze the logarithmic amplifier in order to

determine its output voltage.

I1 =

V
R1

Eq. 6

I D =I s (e
REPORT'S DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the previous configurations for the op amp,
exists two other configurations, these configurations will be
analized in the report. the configurations are the
logarithmic and antilogarithmic amplifiers.
Logarithmic amplifier

VD

VD
nV T

1)

There is no current in the non-inverting input of the

operational amplifier, so we obtain

I 1 =I D
V out =0V D=V D
Then

V
=I (e
R1 s

V out
nV T

V
+1=e
R1 I s

exponential formula is still valid for the base-emitter PN

junction. The current (equal to the current in the collector)
through the feedback resistor determines the output voltage.

1)

The analysis of this amplifier is.

V out
nV T

I1 =

V out
V
=ln
+1
nV T
R1 I s

V out =nV T ln

V
+1
R1 I s

0V out
Rf

I Q =I EBO e

Eq. 7

V out =R f I 1

, so

V BE
nV T

There is no current in the non-inverting input of the

operational amplifier, so we obtain

I 1 =I Q

V BE

V out
=I EBO e nV 1
Rf

V out =R f I EBO

(e

V BE
nV T

Eq. 8

Fig. 8 Logarithmic amplifier with diode.

The figure 9 shows a logarithmic amplifier with BJT. The analysis is the
same used for the logarithmic amplifier with diode.

Fig. 9 Antilogarithmic amplifier with BJT.

Fig. 8 Logarithmic amplifier with BJT.

There are various applications for logarithmic and

antilogarithmic amplifiers, one of these applications is:

Antilogarithmic amplifier
Antilog of a number is the result obtained when the base is
raised to a power equal to the logarithm of that number.

Signal compression with logarithmic amplifiers

Antilog amplifier is formed by connecting a transistor (or

diode) as the input element, as shown in Figure 9. The

In certain applications, a signal magnitude can be

extremely large to be handled by a particular system. The
term dynamic range is often used to describe the range of

voltages contained in the signal. In these cases, the signal

voltage must be reduced by a process called compression of
signal so that it can be properly handled by the system. If
linear circuit is used to reduce the amplitude of a signal, the
low voltages are reduced by the same percentage as high.
Linear signal compression produces voltages that
frequently becomes obscured by noise and difficult to
distinguish precisely, as illustrated in Figure 10. To
overcome this problem, a signal with a large dynamic range
can be compressed by a logarithmic response, as shown in
Figure 11. In the logarithmic signal compression, high
voltages are reduced by a greater percentage than the low
voltage, so as to prevent the low voltage signals are lost in
the noise.

- It is necessary to consider the maximum values of voltage

and current that can be subjected both passive and active
components to ensure reliable operation of the circuit.
- It is important to know the manufacturer's data sheet for
the active component (diode or transistor) that is being used
in the circuit. From this data sheet are obtained much useful
information for calculations required for circuit design.
- Measurement shall be performed on the values of
resistors and diodes voltages, etc. to obtain more precise
results, and consistent with the calculations. Another way is
to be guided using a circuit simulator.

REFERENCES
[1]
Thomas L. Floyd, Dispositivos Electrnicos, Octava Edicin, PearsonEdu
cacin; Mxico 2008

Fig. 10 Linear signal compression.

[2] Albert P. Malvino, Principios de Electronica, Sexta

Edicin.
[3] El amplificador logartmico, available in
http://proton.ucting.udg.mx/materias/CIE24/Unidad.10/sqr/index.html
[4] Circuito logartmico, available in
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/diseno/logaritm
icos/info/logaritmico.htm

Fig. 11 Logarithmic signal compression.

CONCLUSIONS
- Operational amplifiers have wide range of applications
according to how this is set to give a variety of operations
and results.
-Depending on how the diode is connected in the circuit
(logarithmic or antilogarithmic), we can obtain a positive
output voltage or a negative one.
- The selection of active and passive components (resistors,
diodes, transistors, etc.) is very important and depends on
how you will design the circuit.

[5] Amplificadores no lineales, available in

http://huarpe.com/electronica2/capitulo/capitul
o06/capitulo06.html
[6] Amplificador logartmico y exponencial, available in,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=1Db5CHGvrQo
[7] Amplificador operacional, available in,
http://amplificadoroperacional.blogspot.com/2010
/05/estructur a-interna-del-741.html.